So, I made Hunger Games art! I actually had this finished a week or so ago. My excitement for Catching Fire kept growing until I had to do a little arting to let it out. This is totally not my original concept at all, not even the same picture - I still may try that idea though - so I was mostly flying by the seat of my pants on this one, rolling with it as it came along. I tried some charcoal chalk and paint this time. I actually used a blush brush to put charcoal chalk on my face for Halloween and then the brush was ruined, so I threw it away. But I luckily decided to pull it back out of the trash, because I thought it would be a good way to apply charcoal for art - which it was, as I used that technique here. I had to touch Katniss up with white paint because I still haven't figured out how not to get dust everywhere. But I knew it needed something more and The BFF agreed, so I added the outlines. My sister suggested I add the Mockingjay, which was way harder than I thought it would be. I'm not 100% satisfied - I never am with my art, I'm such a perfectionist - but I'm getting better at blending two different mediums, I think - in this case, charcoal and paint.

I thought this might look better not quite so up-close, so I took some photo shots as well.

'An Outline Against The Coal'

Now I have to go back to working on cartoon/comic style for The Nephew for Christmas!

I keep trying new things, since I know I got stuck in one style for so long and I want to branch out a little, even though it's more of a challenge.

Re the movie: I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I was pretty critical at first, but after some thought, I'm not sure how they could have done it better/differently. It is just such a hard book to translate to screen - so much is internal-Katniss stuff that it's hard to get across in a different format. I think it's one of those movies I'll like better on second viewing. I was glad to hear they are breaking the third book up into 2 movies - I have a lot of strong feelings about Mockingjay, I want them to take it seriously!

Ha...that's where I am right now - ill and trying to catch up. Are you feeling any better? I know your body has been kicking your ass so hard this year. I saw this thing the other day explaining how January 1st of this approaching year will also be the first day of the new moon and how nice that is, because it really gives a feeling of 'fresh start' and 'turning over' all the way around - a new moon for a new year. It made me hope maybe it really will be a fresh start - for us both, right? /xxx fingers/

so first off hi, how have you been? I love seeing your posts on tumblr because you like some of the best things.

Thanks! I'll admit, some things I repost them because I like them and some things I repost them because I like them AND I'm all, "OH, this person NEEDS to see this!" Sometimes I reblog things solely because I want you to see it, bb! I also found I pretty much laugh out loud at every one of the joke bits you post there.

I love the art!! It's really cool and makes me want to see catching fire even more than I already do!!

Thank you! That's a great compliment actually, as I painted it because the urge to see the movie was growing in me so hard - so to have the result of that make the urge to see the movie grow so hard in another person is kind of AWESOME!

I have big respect for people who are talented with art, so I'm very impressed with you.

Thank you! I know I'm not the best by some standards, but I'm like 95% self-taught, so I take a lot of pride in trying new things and branching out - that's how a self-taught artist learns.

Maybe you should post your art on tumblr?

It's there...that's actually one of the main reasons I got a Tumblr. When I started doing art again this year (for the first time in a couple of years) The BFF was like, "Tumblr is where all the art and art lovers are". Unfortunately my stuff doesn't get a lot of play amongst the hordes of really really fucking talented artists that Tumblr has to offer. It's a blessing and a curse, because I LOVE all the art on Tumblr and I find it to be very inspiring to my own art, but it sometimes makes me doubt my skill too - you know what I mean?

I've used the wonderful banner you made me in a few places. So thank you again.

Oh, that reminds me - I have to post that to my LJ. Damn. I reblogged it over on Tumblr already (it inspired an entire reblog set of steam-punk fashion over there - it was my theme for the day!) You are very welcome though, bb! It was actually fun to make! If you ever want one for any additional pieces of jewelry or for your books. let me know - I'd be more than happy to help!

First the EDS was kicking butt and then you know how it goes, your immune system is low and bam I got an infection in my lungs, thrush in my mouth and didn't eat for the most of December. Lost almost two stone, not good. But slowly improving on antibiotics. I've eaten four whole days an a row!! I was mainly glad I could eat my Christmas dinner.

Are you doing better now?

I'm using my Gerard Way icon for this because he's a comic book artist as well as singer so it seemed to fit for an art related post. I will definitely be checking out your art on tumblr. I can't even draw stick men, so the art on there blows me away. I can't believe you are just self taught!!

I will very likely ask you for art help in the future. See I meet talented people and get awesome things.

Like I have a short story I'll be posting to Amazon soon and my friend from Twitter will be helping with the cover. He's a photographer as well as very handsome and he's going to be on the cover. A genuine gay fireman will be my cover model!!

Really hoping your doing better. and in case I don't check in before. Happy New Year! I hope the new moon and the new start proves true for both of us. I think we need it *hugs*